Lake Garda Travel Guide
Lake Garda offers a wonderful holiday combination of relaxation, culture, natural scenery and it's the gateway to uncover some iconic gems of Italy.
Lake Garda is located in Northern Italy and it's the country's biggest lake. Lake Garda straddles three provinces, Verona, Brescia and Trento. A tranquil setting with magnificent landscapes, the region is surrounded by luscious green hills to the south and imposing mountains to the north. Charming villages dot the lake and the area boasts mediaeval towers, palazzi, narrow cobblestone streets, Renaissance churches, lemon groves, orange trees, vineyards and olive plantations. The lake is just over 50km long, 20 km wide and would take you about 3 hours to drive around its circumference (160km).
The region offers a variety of activities for holiday makers, enjoy a relaxing Lake Garda boat trip and visit the picturesque lakeside towns of Riva Del Garda, Malcesine and Limone, each with their own unique characteristics. Take a day trip to the Dolomites, perfect for hill walkers, nature enthusiasts and for those simply wishing to relax in the beautiful surroundings. Whichever town you stay in, it will provide a perfect base from which to take excursions to the top sights in Italy, Venice and Verona.
We've outlined some useful information below to help make your holiday to Lake Garda a memorable one.

Time Zone & Currency
Italy is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year. The currency in Italy is the Euro.

Weather In Lake Garda
Lake Garda is renowned for its mild and pleasant climate. The weather is most warm and dry in spring and autumn. Summers are warm and winter days can be cool.

Reading For Your Trip To Lake Garda
Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare
The City of Falling Angels by John Berendt
The Metal Green Mercedes by Timothy Williams
Best time to go to Lake Garda
Lake Garda enjoys a pleasant, temperate climate for most of the year, with temperatures rising to around 30°c during the peak season of July and August. In spring and autumn, days are generally warm and sunny with cool breezes, making it an ideal time for sightseeing as well as relaxing.
Top Tourist Attractions In Lake Garda
Why you should visit Limone in Lake Garda
The town of Limone is another beautiful town from which to explore the beauty and history of Lake Garda. The heart of Limone old town is centred around its beautiful little harbour, the Porto Vecchio.

Food and drink in Lake Garda
Northern Italian food tends to be richer and heartier than that found in Italy’s Mediterranean regions, but no less delicious, with fine cheeses, cured meats, risottos and filled pastas on every menu. Try freshwater fish from the lake, drizzled with olive oil and juice from local lemons and accompany it with a glass of fragrant white Nosiola or Lugana wine. The high quality meats from the Alpine regions may be matched with a classic Valpolicella or refreshing Bardolino. Exquisite seasonal specialities such as chestnuts, pears and peaches will enhance your Lake Garda dining pleasure.
Lake Garda Travel Guide FAQs
Can you give a brief history of Lake Garda?
I have walking difficulties, is a holiday in Lake Garda suitable?
Is Lake Garda a good holiday destination?
Useful Links
- For up-to-date information regarding entry into Italy please see: www.dfa.ie
- Official Italian Tourism Board: www.italia.it